Military offensive in Nariño halts 'Carlos Patiño' dissidents: three killed, one hostage freed, 35 tons of coffee recovered

An intensive military operation in Colombia's Nariño department has disrupted the activities of the 'Carlos Patiño' dissident group, resulting in the neutralization of three of its members. The joint effort by the National Army and the Air Force Aerospace Command took place in Leiva, following the armed group's theft of a coffee shipment.

The operation unfolded on July 22 in Puerto Nuevo, Leiva. Air Force aircraft coordinated with ground troops from the Army's Third Division to intercept the criminals. During a significant exchange of gunfire, three alleged members of the 'Carlos Patiño' residual Organized Armed Group (GAO-r) were neutralized.

Crucially, the operation led to the recovery of approximately 35 tons of coffee, which had been stolen earlier from a truck on the Pan-American Highway. The driver of the cargo vehicle was also rescued unharmed after being held captive by the group. Authorities seized a pistol, a dump truck, a motorcycle, and propaganda material associated with the GAO-r Carlos Patiño.

The successful interception was aided by the truck's GPS tracking system and timely alerts from other drivers who witnessed the robbery. The recovered coffee was reportedly being transported from Nariño to other parts of the country for commercialization. All seized items have been handed over to the relevant authorities for further investigation.

This military action is part of a broader offensive aimed at ensuring civilian safety and protecting national territory in Nariño, a region that has faced security challenges.

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All seized material was made available to the competent authorities, responsible for carrying out the urgent acts and corresponding judicial procedures, with the purpose of strengthening ongoing investigations and clarifying the facts.